Reviews

Black Feathers by Robert J. Wiersema

brandoshizzle's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

litwrite's review

3.0

This was a perfectly serviceable thriller novel that was somewhat obfuscated by some Freddy Kreuger type nightmare scenes which to me felt overblown rather than adding to the storyline, which I think really hindered my enjoyment because the nightmare scenes also happened to be the main conceit of the book.

Once the nightmares were clear, the serial killer was pretty obvious and easy to guess from almost the beginning of the novel. Having some familiarity with the locale and the subject matter there were definitely some eye rolling moments for me, but I recognize that perhaps my added knowledge makes me far from the target audience for this novel. 3 stars.

jdhauk's review

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

thislibrarianisreading's review

4.0

I'm not sure how to describe this book just yet. It was really exciting and intense, but some of the logic and detective work of the characters was dodgy/they weren't using their brains. Like, we know about criminal profiling now.

mftaylor's review

4.0

Really enjoyed this book by another new author (for me). A mix between a murder mystery with some supernatural elements mixed in. It really kept me guessing and trying to figure out what was going on; what was real, who was the killer, who would live and who would die? Kept me entertained. It was well written but a quick read as well. It also gives you some insight into the world of young runaways and homelessness in Victoria. A recommended read.

bitterindigo's review

2.0

By far my least favourite of Wiersema's. The parts about "The Darkness" feel kind of pretentious and cheesy, and I didn't feel there was adequate explanation of why Cassie had so much trouble telling what was real from what wasn't. The parts about being homeless were very realistic and affecting.

the_original_shelf_monkey's review

4.0

Wiersema wisely drives home the harsh life of the homeless and disenfranchised, grounding Black Feathers’ gripping mystery-thriller in an all-too-real situation most people are content to ignore. Wiersema’s Victoria is a cityscape of brutal nights and cruel days, as stark as vintage film noir and as dangerous as a straight razor. Cassie’s encroaching instability drives the narrative into a twisting labyrinth of hallucinations and red herrings, keeping the reader guessing as to which reality is correct. By novel’s end, as multiple narratives tie themselves together in a satisfying fashion, Wiersema’s skill at penning some of the finest genre literature in the land remains assured.

Read the full review at The Redeblog.